Best Campgrounds in Tennessee: 2026 Guide

Tennessee camping is built on a different foundation than the rugged Western states. Here, the mountains are older, rounder, and wrapped in a blue-green haze that gave the Smokies their name. The rivers don't roar through granite canyons — they meander through limestone gorges and hardwood hollows, carving valleys that have sheltered human communities for thousands of years. This is camping where the soundtrack is birdsong and creek water rather than wind and rockfall. It's gentler terrain that welcomes families, first-time campers, and anyone who wants to sleep surrounded by one of the most biodiverse temperate forests on the planet without needing mountaineering skills to get there.

Why Tennessee Stands Out

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — the most-visited national park in America — anchors Tennessee's eastern camping scene with ancient forests, cascading waterfalls, and enough trails to fill a lifetime of weekends. But the camping riches extend well beyond the park boundaries. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area sprawls across the Cumberland Plateau with river gorges, sandstone arches, and miles of equestrian trails. The state's reservoir system creates lakeside camping opportunities from Nashville to the Kentucky border. And the Cherokee National Forest adds another layer of mountain camping along the North Carolina border. Tennessee delivers this variety without the extreme weather, altitude challenges, or remoteness that make Western camping intimidating for newcomers — making it one of the most accessible camping states in the country.

Top Campgrounds to Explore

Cades Cove Campground

The crown jewel of Smoky Mountains camping, Cades Cove draws over 2 million visitors annually to its scenic 11-mile loop road, historic structures, and abundant wildlife viewing. Black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys are regular visitors to this valley floor campground near Townsend. Hiking and biking trails radiate outward into the surrounding mountains.

Big Creek Campground

In a remote corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Big Creek offers a backcountry feel in a front-country setting. Flushing toilets and potable water are available, but the secluded location and small size keep it intimate. The Big Creek Trail leads to waterfalls and old-growth forest along one of the park's most beautiful streams.

Anderson Road Campground

A lakeside oasis on J. Percy Priest Lake in the green hills near Nashville, Anderson Road provides water-focused recreation close to the city. Boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking trails through the surrounding woods make this an ideal weekend escape without a long drive from Middle Tennessee.

Bandy Creek Campground

The main campground in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area near Oneida, Bandy Creek is spacious and modern with access to a vast network of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. The Big South Fork of the Cumberland River has carved dramatic gorges through the plateau — river paddling and fishing add water-based options to the mix.

Anthony Creek Horse Camp

Near the rolling waters of Anthony Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this equestrian camp welcomes riders with trail access into some of the park's most scenic backcountry. Even non-riders appreciate the creekside setting, spring wildflowers, and vivid fall foliage that blankets the surrounding ridges.

Blue Heron Campground

On the Kentucky side of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Blue Heron is a rustic and spacious campground offering access to the park's river gorges, historic coal mining sites, and extensive trail network. The natural bridge formations and river overlooks nearby reward short day hikes from camp.

Backbone Rock Campground

In the Cherokee National Forest near Shady Valley, Backbone Rock is named for the massive rock formation with a road tunnel carved through it — the shortest tunnel in the world. The creek-side campground offers swimming holes and a forested mountain setting in Tennessee's northeastern corner.

Appalachian Clubhouse

A historic building from 1934 in the Elkmont Historic District of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the rehabilitated Appalachian Clubhouse offers a unique lodging experience steeped in park history. The surrounding Elkmont area features synchronous firefly displays in early summer — one of nature's most magical light shows.

Avondale Campground

On Old Hickory Lake near Hendersonville, Avondale provides a family-friendly destination for boating, picnicking, and water sports. The proximity to Nashville makes this an easy option for day trips or weekend camping with lake access and plenty of sunshine.

Planning Tips

Fall is peak season. October foliage in the Smokies is legendary — and so are the crowds. Book months ahead for October camping, or visit in late September for color with fewer people. Humidity is real. Tennessee summers are warm and humid, especially at lower elevations. Pack moisture-wicking clothing and expect afternoon thunderstorms. Wildlife encounters are common. Black bears are active throughout the Smokies — use bear-proof containers and never approach or feed wildlife. Explore beyond the Smokies. Big South Fork and Cherokee National Forest offer comparable scenery with a fraction of the crowds — perfect for campers who prefer solitude.

Find More Tennessee Campgrounds

Explore all Tennessee camping options on our Tennessee campgrounds page, or browse our full campground directory to plan your Appalachian getaway.